STEM | Wheel of Career

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand is one of the four strands available for senior high school in the Philippines.

A program based on inquiry and research is the STEM strand offered in SHS. It prepares students for their future college degrees by exposing them to increasingly difficult science and math concepts.

Students develop problem-solving skills through various projects and research that require them to apply scientific, technological, mathematical, and engineering concepts.

Advantage of taking STEM in The Philippines

When compared to other SHS strands, the STEM strand covers a wide range of subjects. As a result, the students are exposed to a wide range of concepts and ideas that they can apply in their daily lives as well as in their future studies.

Problem-solving abilities

Many of the STEM lessons are hands-on. Teachers provide their students with a logical approach to problem-solving. Students must use the scientific method when hypothesizing, experimenting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions.

This approach to learning piques students' interest in experimenting and developing unique analyses and solutions.

Communication & collaboration

Students in an inquiry-based learning program are given numerous opportunities to collaborate with their peers. This allows them to improve their communication skills through active listening. They also learn to be patient and compassionate toward their peers.

Aside from that, they can work on their formal presentations. A different aspect of communication is being utilized here. Students can practice public speaking with numerous experiments and projects.

Confidence to adapt to change

STEM lessons assist students in adapting to change. They learn how to deal with various setbacks while also providing solutions to their peers.

Many lessons necessitate trial-and-error methods. Constant exposure to these instills in them the tenacity and confidence needed to persevere through difficult projects and classes. They learn how to overcome these challenges and increase their resilience and flexibility.

Major Classes in STEM

The STEM strand consists of four semesters (2 semesters in Grade 11 and 2 semesters in Grade 12). The classes of STEM SHS students are divided into core, contextualized, and specialized subjects. It’s in their second year when their subjects become more specialized in their track.

Core Subjects

English & Communication (Oral, Reading, & Writing)
Filipino
Mathematics
Statistics & Probability
Philosophy
Physical Education & Health

Contextualized Subjects

Empowerment Technologies
Research
English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Entrepreneurship

Specialized Subjects

Pre & Basic Calculus
General Chemistry
General Physics

Potential College Course for STEM Graduates:

With the STEM strand divided into four major subjects, graduates can choose from a variety of college courses. It may be easier for a student to choose a course based on their preferences and strengths.